There is disagreement between the Gemara and the Poskim about whether it is okay to eat meat and fish together, but the Achronim warned people to be careful. This is because the whole point of the prohibition is to protect people from medical harm; if all doctors agree today that there is no danger, they would have forbidden it in the past but now allow it. However, since the practice has spread, it is still best to avoid eating meat and fish together and clean your plates and utensils between fish and meat portions.
Q: Rabbi, I don’t get why you wrote in “Peninei Halakha” that halakha doesn’t say you can’t eat meat with fish, but only minhag (custom) says you shouldn’t. After all, everyone knows that eating meat with fish is dangerous, so how can the rule be changed? You did say that your words were based on the opinion of doctors who say that eating meat with fish is safe, but since when do we base halakha on doctors’ opinions?!
A: As everyone knows, every time a new halachic ruling comes out, someone asks, “Why have we ruled differently before?” The answer is usually that things have changed in real life. The more strict the law is that we want to change, the more proof we need to show that things have changed. On the question of meat and fish, apparently there is no evidence that the reality has changed. All that is being said is that medical knowledge today is more trustworthy, so it can be relied on more easily. But it looks like this claim isn’t very strong, since every generation thinks science is the “last cry,” only to be proven wrong over and over again. We are confident in our medical knowledge today because it is up-to-date and accurate. But in the next generation, it’s likely that many of the things our doctors thought were true will be shown to be wrong. If that’s the case, how can we trust doctors who say eating meat and fish today is safe?
You’ve probably heard claims that it’s dangerous or unhealthy to eat fish and meat in the same meal But is there any truth to this idea, or is it just another food myth? As a nutrition-focused blogger, I decided to dig into the science and get the facts on this common food combination controversy.
In this article, I’ll explore the origins of the fish/meat warnings, look at the potential risks, and discuss what experts have to say. I’ll also provide actionable tips on how to approach eating fish and meat together in a balanced way. Let’s bust some myths and understand the realities around mixing these animal proteins!
Where Did the Fish and Meat Warnings Originate?
There are a few theories on how the idea arose that eating fish and meat together is a problematic combination:
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Digestion Timing – Some claim that because fish and meat take different times to digest, pairing them can lead to digestive issues. However, there’s no evidence that our bodies can’t handle digesting different proteins.
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Nutrient Absorption – Others argue that eating fish and meat together interferes with nutrient absorption. But our digestive system is designed to extract nutrients from all kinds of mixed meals.
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Food Pairing Principles – In some holistic food pairing systems, combining land and sea animals is considered incompatible. But mainstream nutrition doesn’t support this.
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Ayurvedic Teachings – In Ayurveda, specific food combining principles exist. But these haven’t been scientifically validated.
So while the fish/meat warnings have been around for a while, the reasons behind them lack a basis in modern nutritional science.
Evaluating the Potential Risks of Eating Fish and Meat Together
Despite the lack of evidence behind this food myth, let’s look at some of the supposed risks:
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Digestive issues – Some claim gut problems can occur, but our digestive system can handle varied proteins.
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Nutrient deficiencies – No studies show nutrient absorption is inhibited by combining fish and meat.
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Toxins – Arguments have been made about toxins being released, but this hasn’t been proven.
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Mercury exposure – Some are concerned that meat may interact with mercury in fish. But mercury levels in fish are generally low.
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Allergic reactions – It’s possible this combo could trigger allergies in those with specific intolerances.
Overall, while individual sensitivities may vary, there does not appear to be strong scientific data pointing to innate dangers of pairing fish and meat.
Expert Opinions on Mixing Fish and Meat
Mainstream nutrition and health experts seem to agree that eating fish and meat together is not problematic in and of itself:
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Registered Dietitians – RD’s overwhelming agree that fish and meat can be consumed together as part of a varied diet.
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Doctors – Medical professionals do not advise any precautions around pairing fish with meat.
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Government Guidelines – No dietary guidelines prohibit or warn against eating fish and meat meals.
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Nutrition Researchers – There are no major studies demonstrating health risks of fish/meat combinations.
So modern medical and nutrition authorities do not caution against this food pairing. As with any meal, balance and moderation are most important.
Tips for Safely Incorporating Fish and Meat in Your Diet
While there’s no need to avoid pairing fish and meat entirely, here are some tips for making this protein combo work for you:
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Stick to recommended fish portion sizes to limit mercury exposure.
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Choose grass-fed/pasture-raised meats when possible for added nutrition.
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Balance with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and healthy fats.
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Slow down and chew thoroughly to support digestion.
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Stay hydrated by drinking water and herbal teas with meals.
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Avoid overeating protein in general and limit processed meats.
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Prepare seafood and meat properly by cooking thoroughly and practicing food safety.
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Pay attention to your own body’s response and adjust intake if needed.
Putting the Fish and Meat Myth to Rest
Within a balanced diet, there’s no hard evidence that enjoying fish and meat together is inherently problematic or dangerous. Many delicious global dishes seamlessly combine seafood and meat. Rather than prohibiting certain food pairings, the best approach is to cultivate variety and moderation in your eating pattern. Listen to your own body’s signals and adjust as needed for optimal wellness. With a little mindful eating, you can confidently include fish and meat in the same meal while supporting your health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating Fish and Meat Together
To further dispel myths and provide helpful answers on this topic, here are some common FAQs:
Is it unhealthy to pair fish and meat in the same meal?
No, there is no nutritional evidence that eating fish and meat together is inherently unhealthy. Both provide valuable protein and nutrients.
What about the theory that different digestion times makes this pairing bad?
This is a common myth, but our bodies can digest different proteins without issue. Focus on your overall diet variety more than food combinations.
Could toxins be released from pairing fish with meat?
This claim is unsubstantiated. There are no proven toxic reactions. Eat within recommended amounts and follow food safety guidelines.
Is nutrient absorption inhibited when fish and meat are combined?
There are no studies demonstrating compromised nutrient absorption from reasonably mixing different protein sources like fish and meat.
Do Ayurvedic or Chinese medicine recommend against this combo?
Some holistic food pairing principles advise against fish/meat mixtures. But these concepts are not nutrition science-backed.
Isn’t it still healthier to eat fish and meat separately?
No nutrition experts advise that separation at meals is healthier. Aim for balance and moderation when incorporating all protein sources.
Could eating fish and meat trigger allergies?
In some people with specific food intolerances, it’s possible this combo could exacerbate reactions. Adjust intake appropriately if this occurs.
What cuisine traditions include dishes with mixed fish and meat?
Many cuisines around the world seamlessly blend seafood and meat, like Italian cioppino or Chinese ma po tofu.
Does government dietary guidance warn against this pairing?
No, there are no cautions against pairing fish and meat in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans or other credible resources.
Is there mercury risk when fish is eaten with meat?
While high mercury levels in some fish can be a concern, meat does not significantly impact absorption based on current research.
What are good ways to balance meals with fish and meat?
Eat sensible protein portions. Include plenty of produce, whole grains and healthy fats. Drink fluids to aid digestion. Focus on variety.
Should I stop eating fish and meat together if I experience GI issues?
Yes, listen to your own body. Limit this combo if you regularly experience digestive problems after these meals. See a doctor if needed.
The Prohibition is a Dispute between the Amoraim and the Rishonim
I will talk about the issue from all sides to make my words in Peninei Halakha (Kashrut 36: 4) clear.
The Gemara (Pesachim 76b) says that Mar Bar Rav Ashi said it was wrong to eat fish that had been roasted with meat in the same oven because it gave people bad breath and leprosy. On the other hand, according to Rava of Parzikiyya, it is permissible to eat them together.
However, some Rishonim wrote that people should follow the strict view and not eat fish with meat because it is harmful (Rosh, Mordechai, Samak, O C. Ha’Aruch).
However, on the other hand, the majority of Rishonim did not mention that it is forbidden to eat fish with meat. Not only that, but Rambam wrote explicitly (Hilchot Ma’achalot Assurot 9:23:
They say, “Fish roasted with meat—it is not allowed to eat them with milk.” This means that we can eat fish roasted with meat. According to the Poskim, Rambam decided that there is no danger in this from his studies and work as a doctor. This means that eating fish and meat together is not forbidden (Responsa Hatam Sofer, YD 101).
We can see that the Amoraim and the Rishonim disagree about the law that says you can eat meat with fish.
The Vast Majority of Achronim Were Machmir Because of the Fear of Danger
Many people disagree about this, but the strict view is that eating meat with fish can cause leprosy. Because of this, most Achronim thought it was unsafe to eat meat with fish and banned it. The Shulchan Aruch (YD 116: 2) wrote, “One should be careful not to eat meat and fish together because it is hard for [i] e. causes and/or exacerbates] leprosy. However, Rabbi Avraham Abele HaLevi Gombiner, one of the most respected Poskim of the Achronim and author of the commentary ‘Magen Avraham’ (OC, 173:1), said that it’s possible that right now, “there is no such danger.” This is similar to how some things were once thought to be dangerous because of ruach ra’ah (evil spirit), but now “it is not harmful because nature has changed; also, everything goes according to the nature of the lands,” citing Rambam’s words, who did not say that this was wrong.
Although, as mentioned, the vast majority of Achronim considered the danger of doing so. However, doctors of that time did not say not to eat meat and fish, but they also could not say that it was safe to do so either. This is because doctors’ opinions were based on research, tradition, and personal experience. So, the doctors’ point of view was one that should be thought about but not accepted for sure. This meant that they could not depend on them and rule out the possibility that eating fish and meat was dangerous.